Local businesses see positive impact from Olympics

GETZVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Summer Olympics in Paris are having a lasting impact on several local businesses.

Greater Buffalo Gymnastics Center in Getzville is seeing a boost in enrollment. Greater Buffalo Gymnastics Center in Getzville said enrollment increased by 134% since the start of the Games in Paris.

“Everyone sees it on TV, of course, and they want to be a part of it. But it’s not just the magic of the Olympics. It’s the complexity of the sport,” said Greater Buffalo Gymnastics Center president T.J. Hirsch.

Jackie Kaese of Lockport can relate. She said her six-year-old daughter Makenzee was glued to gymnastics coverage.

“I was cleaning a lot around the house, and she was watching that and started to do her gymnastics stuff around the house,” said Kaese.

That’s why she decided to sign up Makenzee for gymnastics.

“The last Summer Games were during the pandemic. So, this is the first time in eight years we’ve been able to get really excited about the Games and what they can do for the sport,” said Greater Buffalo Gymnastics Center vice president Kristen Fahnestock.

Goldfish Swim School in Williamsville is also seeing a boost in business after the success of swimmers like Katie Ledecky and hometown favorite, synchronized swimmer, Anita Alvarez.

“We’ve seen a good increase, probably 10% from last year, which is great,” said Goldfish Swim School general manager Nick Patterson. “The numbers keep going up.”

Ali Touhey is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2023. View more of her work here .